Wiyot Tribe

                                    EELERS NEEDED FOR LAMPREY STUDY

The Wiyot Tribe is trying to collect as much information as possible on eels (lamprey) in the Eel River. A really important part of the project is to collect information from knowledgeable Tribal members-especially eelers. While there is value in scientific studies and written records, there is also great value in the knowledge of those most intimate with the river and the wildlife that inhabit it. Almost certainly, Wiyot eelers know more about eels in the lower Eel River than anyone. 

The information we collect will be used to better understand the life cycle of eels, how the population is doing, and what factors might be adversely impacting them. We also hope to understand eel harvest times and locations to help design studies to monitor the population, with the ultimate goal of improving the health of the river and abundance of wildlife. Importantly, we hope that these studies will help provide leverage to get more water in the river during future negotiontions or lawsuits involving water allocations in the watershed.

Please return this complete questionnaire to:  

 Attn: Dylan Gray

Wiyot Tribe

1000 Wiyot Drive

Loleta, CA 95551

All of the information gained from this questionnaire with other Eel River eelers. If you would be willing to participate in a short phone interview to discuss these and other questions, please contact Dylan Gray at the tribal office at (707) 733-5055 or Dylan@wiyot.us

All of the information gained from this questionnaire will be property of the Wiyot Tribe.  Some of the information gained will be summarized in a report, but will not be distributed beyond the Tribe without the permission of the Tribe. 

Click here for the questionnaire

Wiyot Tribe 

Wiyot people have lived in the Humboldt Bay region for thousands of years. The North Coast of California is rich with abundant terrestrial, reverine, estuarine, and marine resources. Wiyot people lived in permanent villages along the waterways which also served as travel and trade routes. Seasonal camps were made on the tribal lands and prairies, and mountainous regions provided berries, acorns, pine nuts, wild game, and basketry materials. Wiyot people actively managed their resources, burning for open grasslands, cultivating edible bulbs, and following strict hunting and fishing protocols.

Pictured below are the dancers from the Brush Dance Demonstration that happened at the Elders Gathering July 25th, 2009 at Betmet.  All the girls are in traditional regailia for this ceremony.